August will be here soon and the City of Escalon is gearing up for the National Night Out gathering, returning in 2021 after the one-year hiatus due to the pandemic shutdown during the summer of 2020.

Coordinated in cooperation with City Hall, Escalon Police Department, Escalon Fire Department and Escalon Community Ambulance, National Night Out is an opportunity for local residents to get to know the first responders in the community in a casual, fun setting.

Observed on the first Tuesday of August nationwide, this year’s event in Escalon is set for Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Escalon Police Department spokesperson Sara Cardoso said those who want to get on the list for a ‘caravan stop’ can pick up the participant application at City Hall on McHenry Avenue.

Stops will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis, with the caravan of city and emergency services personnel getting to as many stops as possible during the event.

“All of the stops will be between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.,” Cardoso noted.

Deadline to sign up is July 25, so organizers have time to plan out the route. As a group, the officials move in a huge caravan, going lights and sirens, through the community to stop at each neighborhood event on the list.

Gatherings in the past have typically included barbecues, potlucks, ice cream socials and more, with entire neighborhoods coming together, enjoying an evening outdoors and ‘taking back the night’ from crime and drugs.

The focus of National Night Out is to celebrate the community and give residents the chance to meet and talk with elected officials, city leaders and the first responders.